Chapter 52

Tai’an City

Wanbao Auction House

A slightly plump old man with a red face sat in a chair, legs crossed, listening to his subordinate’s report. His brow furrowed slightly as he sighed lightly, “The Lin family has produced a true dragon. However, we should not be concerned about their expansion into the elixir market. It’s just a matter of selling fewer elixirs, which won’t significantly impact our Wanbao Commerce. At worst, we can simply stop selling elixirs and switch to selling herbs instead; it’s just a matter of reducing profits.”

“The true dragon from the Lin family is not someone to be provoked,” one of his subordinates said, puzzled. “Sir, why should we still be wary of the Lin family?”

“The Lin family has offended the Chu Ling Royal Mansion, and even…”

“Shut up!” Murong Meng narrowed his eyes and shouted angrily, the overwhelming aura of his True Yuan instantly reverberating throughout the room.

Seeing Murong Meng furious, the subordinate turned pale with fear, quickly apologizing and daring not to say more.

“Hmph, do you really think that young man from the Lin family is as simple as he appears?” Murong Meng scoffed.

A genius at the Qi Sea realm at just sixteen years old—what does that imply? The resources of the royal capital dwarf those of the Lin family by several times.

Yet, that royal figure has only just reached the True Yuan realm.

At that age, the one in the royal capital had only just broken through to the True Yuan realm!

The two are separated by a whole major realm!

If Murong Meng believed that the young man from the Lin family had no backing, he would never be convinced; does he really think that geniuses are solely the result of slow cultivation?

Having talent without resources is useless, and how could the Lin family—a power that isn’t even third-rate—afford to raise such a genius?

In this world, mere aptitude isn’t enough.

Murong Meng looked at his subordinate with disappointment; this subordinate… it was time for a change.

“Master Murong, someone is here to see you!”

A delicately featured female attendant entered, respectfully speaking. However, her exquisite face showed a hint of blush, and her tone seemed somewhat urgent and excited.

Murong Meng turned to look and saw the attendant continue, “It’s the young master from the Lin family here to see you.”

“Who?” Murong Meng stood up abruptly, his tone serious.

The attendant answered, a bit more excited, “It’s Lin Xuan, Young Master Lin.”

Thinking of the young man’s appearance, the attendant felt her heart skip a beat; that Young Master Lin truly lived up to his reputation, almost like a legendary immortal…

“Quick, quick! I’ll personally welcome Young Master Lin!” Murong Meng’s slightly plump body suddenly became very light and agile, his expression excited and flushed. If he could establish a good relationship with this true dragon from the Lin family, it would undoubtedly be a great achievement for Wanbao Commerce!

…

Wanbao Commerce Hall

A white-clad youth sat calmly on one side, exuding a relaxed demeanor, his brows showing a hint of heroism, his face as gentle as jade. Even though he appeared serious, he looked like a celestial being stepped out from a painting.

Outside the hall, several beautiful attendants were excitedly chatting, occasionally glancing toward the elegant and immortal figure inside, their faces blushing.

“What are you all doing? Hurry up and welcome the guests!”

A voice full of authority rang out, causing the bashful attendants to pale, scattering like startled birds.

Murong Meng looked at the figure of the white-clad youth in the hall, secretly astonished. Although he had little dealings with the Lin family, he had heard of the talented young man from them, and today’s encounter far surpassed the rumors.

Murong Meng quickly approached, smiling apologetically, “I apologize, Young Master Lin, for the misunderstanding. These attendants were being thoughtless in discussing you. I, Murong Meng, sincerely apologize to you.”

Although the attendants’ discussions were quiet, Murong Meng didn’t believe for a moment that the young man hadn’t heard; it was likely that their words had long reached his ears, and if he took offense…

Better to be cautious. It’s not for nothing that someone could climb to become the head of the Wanbao Commerce in a secondary city; he surely wasn’t a fool.

Lin Xuan shook his head and replied coolly, “No matter.”

He was already used to such things; he was naturally brilliant, why would he need to hide?

Hearing Lin Xuan’s response, Murong Meng felt relieved. He cautiously asked, “Young Master Lin, are you here to discuss something important?”

Murong Meng had lowered his stance to the utmost; he knew that as long as this young man didn’t fall, he would surely become a regional overlord. Though he was a second-tier alchemist, he felt utterly insignificant when facing a young man with such vast potential and overwhelming strength.

Lin Xuan gave Murong Meng a surprised look, thinking that this Master Murong was indeed impressive to have reached such a position without any disguise this time.

A token appeared in Lin Xuan’s hand, engraved with the characters “Wanbao.” Murong Meng’s pupils constricted slightly; this was the very token he had sent over, belonging exclusively to the third young lady as a veneration token.

Murong Meng’s demeanor became even more respectful. He hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, “May I ask what the relationship is between Young Master Lin and… that alchemist?”

Lin Xuan looked at the cautious Murong Meng, his face calm. “That alchemist is a mentor of mine, merely passing through Tai’an City.”

Upon hearing this, Murong Meng’s face revealed an expression of realization, while he secretly breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, the alchemist was merely the young master’s mentor.

If… at this thought, Murong Meng couldn’t help but shudder; it was simply too horrifying.

Lin Xuan produced a page of paper, handing it to Murong Meng. “I wonder if Master Murong could help me gather these herbs?”

Murong Meng took the paper Lin Xuan handed him, thumping his chest with excitement. “Rest assured, Young Master Lin! Just some herbs; it’s an honor for Wanbao Commerce that you chose us!”

He had been worried about how to get in touch with this young man, but unexpectedly, the opportunity had come knocking. He would seize this great fortune without hesitation!

Lin Xuan nodded, “Then I’ll trouble you, Master Murong. Once the herbs are gathered, just send them directly to the Lin family.”

After saying this, Lin Xuan turned and left. He believed that with Wanbao Commerce’s strength, gathering some herbs wouldn’t be too difficult.

Once Lin Xuan had left, Murong Meng opened the paper Lin Xuan had left behind, examining it carefully; this was crucial for his own rise.

“Third-tier herbs, century-old spirit ginseng, third-tier herb spirit cicada leaves… fourth-tier herb fire spirit lotus…”

“Weren’t they saying earlier that the alchemist had already left Tai’an City?”

Murong Meng stood frozen in place, unable to regain his composure for a long time. After a while, he hurriedly took out a jade slip, saying something into it before quickly sending someone off with it.

He clenched his fists tightly; he would complete this task at any cost!

This was Wanbao Commerce’s opportunity!